A man was found dead and two people missing on Saturday after torrential rain brought major flooding to the Greek island of Crete, rescue workers said.

The victim, a man in his 50s, was trapped in his car when rain began to fall on the southern Greek island, a popular holiday destination.

Local media reported extensive damage in coastal villages, where roads have become rivers sweeping away everything in their path.

A woman suffered minor injuries when she was trapped in a car, according to emergency services.

At least nine vehicles surrounded by water have yet to be rescued. Emergency services received over 450 calls in an hour on Friday morning as the extent of the problem became clear.

Eight tourists and a security guard were also stranded at the Archaeological Museum in the coastal town of Sitia.

All of the island’s gorges, popular hiking destinations for tourists, have been closed to the public until further notice.

The mayor of Sitia told Skai television: “The situation was out of control and the (weather) phenomena in the region were exceptional.”

Scientists say human-caused climate change is amplifying extreme weather — including the floods, heat waves and droughts seen in several parts of the planet — and say these events are becoming more frequent and intense.

A senior Heraklion region official, Nikos Syrigonakis, urged residents to restrict their movements.

“It’s a difficult day,” he added.

The civil defense department said it had been mobilized and urged all citizens to be vigilant in Crete and the surrounding islands of Rhodes, Karpathos, Kastellorizo ??and Kasos.